But at this point, it's up to the Republican-controlled Legislature in Raleigh, which has made it clear it wants district lines redrawn.

Buncombe County GOP chairman Carl Mumpower said it's about time.

"Raleigh's challenging that, and our young conformists are out here trying to maintain it. That's a real ironic situation in a community like ours," Mumpower said.

"The people should elect their representation, not the representatives. That's really what gerrymandering's all about," another person said.

From time to time, protesters broke off into groups, small discussions to better understand a big issue.

"I always suggest that an independent committee should be who's drawing these maps. It shouldn't be Republicans. It shouldn't be Democrats and it doesn't matter what party that you're with," Leicester resident Taylor Breeden said.

The House approved HB717 along party lines after Democrat Susan Fisher tried to stop any change for Buncombe County. The bill is yet to be heard in the Senate.